Contractor Illegally Discharges Construction Materials into the Chicago River

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting - June 21, 2018

Commissioner Shore brought attention to the fact that an unnamed construction crew had discharged construction materials into the Chicago River.  The infraction was noted and reported by a newspaper reporter who happened to be on the river.  The Industrial Waste Commission investigated and found that the construction company had not followed through on its permit with the city which then requires contact with the MWRD for a permit.  The MWRD regulates the quality of the water and issued a cease and desist order [the City while telling contractors to contact the District, does not itself inform the District of a new permit].  The crew was supposed to discharge waste into the city sewer system.  To discharge to the river requires a State IEPA permit.  

Commissioner Shore asked the District’s staff to reach out to tour-boat operations, building managers, concessioners, etc. and inform them of the MWRD’s citizen reporting software app.  

Decisions Made: 

• Approved eminent domain of certain properties for the stage 2 Cook Reservoir construction after efforts to find owners failed.
• Because of failure to reimburse the District for contracted work, the Executive Director agreed that if the State approaches the MWRD for an intergovernmental agreement, the staff will seek authority from the board before undertaking negotiations. 

What to Look for in Upcoming Meetings:

1. Feedback on a meeting to be held in  Evanston with homeowners and the city regarding the placement of a water pumping station on a section of land leased from the MWRD and targeted for green space [June 7th meeting]. 
   
2. Feedback on the status of the Executive Director’s leave.  Acting Executive Director, Edward Murray, continues to handle the responsibilities in Mr. St. Pierre’s absence. 

Observer - Diane Edmundson                                               Meeting Length:    1 Hour (via video)